Defending Formula One champion Max Verstappen said Thursday he was less confident ahead of his home Grand Prix than at this time last year, with a "very close" race in prospect.
Verstappen has never lost in front of his adoring fans since Zandvoort returned to the Fi circuit in 2021 and completely dominated the drivers' championship last year with 19 Grand Prix victories.
But after a strong start this season, the Red Bull driver has failed to win the last four Grand Prix races and he said the feeling was very different coming into tomorrow's battle than in 2023.
"Let's just say that last year coming here, I was a lot more confident that we had a big chance of winning the race," Verstappen told reporters.
"But that's how the season is already, you know. It's a lot more competitive," he added.
This story is from the August 24, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 24, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Heather's Boy prepares for Cape
FORM: UNBEATEN DE KOCK RUNNER TO CONFIRM HIS REPUTATION AHEAD OF CAPE GUINEAS
Courage wins the day for Atticus
IMPRESSIVE: LAIRD-TRAINED GELDING FIGHTS ON GAMELY TO CLAIM R6M BETWAY SUMMER CUP
PIRATES COME UNSTUCK
PREMIERSHIP: STELLENBOSCH PUT ABRUPT END TO BUCS' PERFECT START
Cut Bavuma some slack
Temba Bavuma has often been praised by coaches and teammates for his leadership abilities, but as a specialist batter the Proteas skipper must have been frustrated by his lengthy struggle to convert fifties into centuries.
Proteas keep growing as a unit
South Africa's batters are feeding well off each other as they start to find consistency at the highest level, according to Proteas coach Shukri Conrad, after they shone again in the dominant victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Durban which concluded on Saturday.
Wallabies far from finished product
Australia coach Joe Schmidt says his side are \"maybe\" not at the level yet to win the three Test series with the British & Irish Lions next year but they are ready to make it a \"contest\".
Proteas keep their heads up
With England having secured a 3-0 clean sweep in the T20 International series that concluded at the weekend, Proteas all-rounder Nondumiso Shangase says the national women's team are keeping their heads up as they prepare for a three-match ODI series against the tourists.
Bulls flex their muscles abroad
URC: DOWN CONNACHT AS SHARKS SINK THE STORMERS
Kane ruled out 'for the time being'
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane (right) has been ruled out \"for the time being\", with a hamstring tear, the club announced yesterday.
'Crazy' win thrills Arteta
London - Mikel Arteta (above) said Arsenal's \"crazy\" 5-2 win at West Ham has catapulted his team back into the Premier League title race.
